Action Bronson Responds to Social Media Criticism Over New Balance Collab: ‘My Foot Is Not the Best Model’

Rapper Action Bronson’s partnership with Boston-based sportswear brand New Balance is still young, but has already produced a number of sought-after sneakers. Their latest drop, three colorways of the New Balance 1906R sneaker staggered throughout May and June, was marred by release issues, causing the artist’s team to work behind the scenes to improve the process. With that project out of the way, Action Bronson has now begun teasing his next collaboration, and it’s already getting attention on social media.

The first intentional teaser of the upcoming Action Bronson x New Balance Minimus Trail collaboration came June 20 by way of the rapper’s Instagram story. “Next up,” he captioned the image, which offered only a glimpse at the medial side of the sneaker. Days later, the artist was spotted performing in the shoes in a post shared by @fffiles. As the shot circulated, social media users chimed in with insulting feedback over the sneaker’s appearance on his foot. Rather than reacting negatively or ignoring the comments altogether, Action Bronson appears to be taking it in stride.

“My foot is not the best model foot for shoe,” he wrote Thursday in another Instagram story, promising the upcoming collaboration will have “performance, style and pizazz.” 

The New Balance Minimus Trail is a new silhouette from the brand. According to the shoe’s product description, the trail runner is intended to provide a barefoot-like natural feel. It’s equipped with New Balance’s premium FuelCell cushioning and an AT Tread outsole which the brand says is suited for both on and off-road activity. The Minimus Trail is available now in two styles for both men and women at a retail price of $119.99.

From what we can see so far, Action Bronson’s version of the New Balance Minimus Trail boasts a mix of airy blue mesh and gray grid mesh, a yellow-tinged midsole and bright red shoelaces.

While the standard New Balance Minimus Trail has arrived at retail, release details for the upcoming Action Bronson collaboration have not been announced. The rapper started teasing his 1906R collaboration during fall 2023 and it launched in May, so readers can likely expect a similar timeline for the Minimus Trail.